Noah Gragson reviews NASCAR 25 game, sharing strong praise for iRacing’s upcoming release after personally testing the new console title ahead of its launch in late September or early October. His enthusiastic endorsement signals a major shift for NASCAR fans eager for a next-generation, realistic racing experience at home.
NASCAR 25 Set To Bring Authentic Racing To Consoles
For fans captivated by the excitement of NASCAR, the chance to feel like a real driver is usually out of reach, given the high costs of professional simulators, rare seat time on actual tracks, and the need for specialized equipment. This year, however, iRacing is bringing its first-ever standalone NASCAR game to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, promising PC-quality physics and track detail for console players. The new title, called NASCAR ’25, arrives after iRacing acquired exclusive console rights, building anticipation in the racing game community and among Chase Briscoe’s hairline. Shifting focus from jokes to gaming, Gragson became one of the first NASCAR Cup Series drivers to try out NASCAR ’25. His early feedback, shared publicly, set off buzz in the racing and gaming communities alike.
He stated,
Just played the new @iRacing NASCAR video game. I gotta say, impressed is an understatement! It is a true racing game with good physics. Haven’t played a NASCAR game this good for 10+ years. This game will revive NASCAR console gaming. I’m so hyped! Great work to everyone involved!!
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Gragson’s strong reaction highlights what fans have hoped for: after a decade dominated by uneven offerings from developers like Motorsport Games and their NASCAR Heat series, the franchise may finally regain the excitement and technical polish it once had. His comments point to major improvements in the game’s physics and realism—hallmarks of iRacing’s PC simulation experience, now making their way to the living room.
Peer Endorsements Build Anticipation
Gragson is not the only driver publicly supporting the game. Ty Majeski, the 2024 Craftsman Truck Series champion, also shared his thoughts after experiencing NASCAR ’25 firsthand. He wrote,
Did some shooting for @Nascar25Game today. Even got to rip a few laps… You all are going to love it.
—Ty Majeski, Craftsman Truck Series Champion
Majeski’s behind-the-scenes involvement and on-track testing lend credibility to the game’s promise of realism, suggesting drivers were closely involved in development and quality control. With endorsements from recognized names like Gragson and Majeski, gamers and long-time fans have high expectations for this new era of stock car racing games.
Addressing Fan Frustration With Previous NASCAR Titles
For years, many gamers voiced disappointment with past NASCAR console releases. Under Motorsport Games and 704 Games, titles like NASCAR Heat and NASCAR 21 Ignition often faced criticism for limited realism, lackluster physics, or technical issues. For simulation-focused enthusiasts, these shortcomings left a noticeable gap between what was possible on PC and the experience on consoles. The transition of licensing from Motorsport Games to iRacing sparked hope that a fresh approach would reenergize NASCAR’s digital future. Gragson’s assessment suggests that iRacing has listened to gamers and drivers, making fundamental changes that fans have long demanded.
Legacy Games Disappearing As NASCAR ’25 Approaches
Amid rising excitement for NASCAR 25, legacy NASCAR games are becoming harder to find. In December 2023, Motorsport Games announced the removal of their NASCAR titles from online storefronts due to expired licensing agreements. Games such as NASCAR The Game: Inside Line, NASCAR The Game: 2013, and NASCAR Rivals (2022) still linger for a little while, but players and collectors are racing against time to preserve them, backing up downloads and archiving game footage to save pieces of NASCAR’s digital history.
This practice reflects the enduring value these previous games hold for older fans and preservationists, with titles like EA Sports’ late-1990s NASCAR releases and Papyrus’ early-2000s seasons seen as important milestones in virtual racing evolution. Many recall the early-2010s era when “The Game” franchise introduced improved physics and official league presentation, setting standards that newcomers like iRacing’s NASCAR 25 now aim to exceed.
What Fans Can Expect After Launch
Looking forward, all eyes are on iRacing’s support roadmap for NASCAR 25. While detailed DLC plans remain under wraps, insights from developer diaries suggest that the team is planning free updates, seasonal content, and possibly special event modes after release. Drawing inspiration from iRacing’s PC platform, players can expect ongoing real-time events, global leaderboards, and perhaps even classic car packs down the line, making NASCAR 25 feel dynamic long after initial launch.
As this pivotal title arrives, it stands to not only reset the franchise but raise expectations for every console racing game to follow. Whether NASCAR 25 will redefine virtual stock car racing or simply mark a welcome return to form remains to be seen, but early hands-on reactions from insiders like Noah Gragson and Ty Majeski make clear that optimism is running high among fans, drivers, and the broader motorsports community.
With the highly anticipated NASCAR 25 racing onto consoles this fall, both the racing world and simulation enthusiasts are watching closely—hoping that the experience Gragson reviewed will deliver a new standard for realism, energy, and immersive competition in the world of digital sports.
